In the aftermath of the election, rural America has been thrust into the spotlight of our national narrative. As leaders — national, state and local — look to strengthen American communities, many acknowledge that deeper learning and understanding between urban and rural people needs to occur before we can progress. News outlets have stepped in to […]

On a recent afternoon, about 65 people from reservation communities in northeast Minnesota came together to celebrate the commencement of the 25th cohort to complete the Blandin Reservation Community Leadership Program. In recognition of this milestone number, a drum was invited to join the celebration and honor the graduates. BRCLP is more than just a […]

It’s great to see the ways alumni of our Blandin Community Leadership programs utilize their learned to tackle community opportunities and challenges. In a recent column, Dana Melius, a 1998 BCLP graduate from Sibley County, used a key principle from training to understand and talk about an issue in his community. “I’m not taking sides […]

1)Willmar: Community optimism is soaring in Willmar as the town continues to see development, expansion and new construction. Full story at West Central Tribune 2) Redwood, Renville counties: Leaders from the Minnesota River Valley corridor gathered to develop a master plan to expand recreational opportunities in the area. Full story at West Central Tribune 3) […]

Last month, hundreds of children and youth champions gathered to discuss policy decisions that would impact our state’s littlest learners to career-bound youth. In an editorial over the weekend, Star Tribune staff echoed the sentiment of many at the gathering with their headline, “Use Minnesota’s full toolbox to expand early education.” Why is it important […]

“For generations in the Redwood area, two very distinct world views have existed in the people who call it home.” — Troy Krause, Redwood Falls Gazette Last month, residents of the Lower Sioux and Redwood area communities came together to talk, listen and plan for a brighter future — one where collaboration and mutual respect […]

Winter brings out the bear in us all. With subzero temperatures and roads better suited to bobsleds than Buicks, Minnesotans tend to hibernate, rarely leaving their caves unless it is necessary for survival. Well, Iron Range community leaders are calling on you to wake up! They need your input and ideas to improve Internet access […]

We often say if you’ve been to one small town, you’ve been to one small town. Each rural community is unique, with its own gems, challenges and culture. If you’ve ever lived in a small town, though, you most likely have heard a sentence like, “Oh, I know her. She’s my niece’s third grade teacher turned […]

Rural Pulse 2016 uncovered a number of issues rural Minnesotans considered critical to the vibrancy of their community. But economy, educational opportunities and healthcare aren’t the biggest issues facing rural Minnesota, said Kelly Asche, program coordinator of the Center for Small Towns. “These problems are symptoms of an underlying ailment: ‘the negative, mistaken narrative that […]

1. Hill City: for tapping local farmers to provide fresh food for school lunches. Full story at Aitkin Independent Age 2. Rushford: for creating a community Thanksgiving tradition, for those who may not otherwise celebrate, by providing good food and company. Full story at Tri-County Record 3. Chatfield: for city leaders’ collaborative efforts to restore a treasured fishing […]